Wednesday, August 16, 2006

Ever since my husband gave me one of her novels for Christmas a few years back, I've loved Stella Cameron's voice, and her way with a sexy mystery. I know you'll enjoy the treat she's got in store, Bellas, for this, Day 4 of "RunningWithQuills.com Week (and Two Days)!" Without further, well, you know -- please welcome, Miss Stella...

Stella Cameron here:)

Here where? Madville, of course, otherwise known as my office, the room where I can usually be found on all seven days of the week. The Deadline has me in it's claws. I'm finishing TARGET a Pointe Judah book for next year and since I can't get my mind off the story anyway, I've simply moved into the office for a few days. I do this every time I'm at the end of a book.

My current release is BODY OF EVIDENCE.And here are sneak peeks at October and November covers for A GRAVE MISTAKE and A MARKED MAN.

I'm delighted to visit with you this week and to be with my good friends from www.runningwithquills.com and I look forward to chatting with you about my little poll. I do love a poll, especially if the topic is irresistible!

IT MEN--A POLL

What is "It?"

People, in particular men in this case, have some mysterious "its" that have power over others (women in this case:). There are sensations, emotional and physical, that are evoked in us and not simply because someone is gorgeous. Often the person who demands our attention is physically plain, but there is something, there is "it."

I picked out a few men who are frequently mentioned as being in the "it" category. Your special McDreamy may not be here, but you should be able to find someone to interest you...Can you can pick one of the gentlemen as your standout? Or do you have another entry? Please let us know at RunningWithQuills.com -- preferably with an attempt to explain what reaction you have to him, and what his special qualities are -- as far as you are concerned.

81 comments:

Stella, what a pleasure to have you here! I'm doing a drive-by as I have to head off to work soon, but I wanted to stop in and say "welome" and I look forward to returning later this evening for more excitement. Work takes away all my fun LOL.

Well I skipped over to the Quills blog, but no poll yet - boo! I liked the 2 choices you have here - Johnny and Denzel. I think a lot of their appeal is that they've taken on roles that are challenging and sometimes controversial, but that's the beauty of it. They are not just nice to look at, but men who are confident in their abilities and think outside the box. They are not pretty boys who are only interested in showing their best side but men who are comfortable looking or being bad or ugly. There's something rather sexy about that. And you know, both of these men are dads, and there's also something sexy about men who love children, and animals. It shows that softer side. Very hot stuff.

1- He's incredibly handsome and seems to be completely comfortable in his own skin.2- His politics, he's not afraid to speak up for what he believes in, even if his sentiments are unpopular. (Does anyone remember his rant against the paparazzi after Princess Di was killed?) Also, he's not afraid to use his star status to further causes he believes in.3- He's a humanitarian, look at what he's doing for Darfur.4- He can act. He's equally funny and serious, and is smart about his star power. He did OCEAN'S 12 to pay for SYRIANA, which was a film he believed in strongly.

I adore Denzel Washington. He's handsome, funny, serious, a terrific actor and you just don't hear any gossip about him.

I was never a Johnny Depp fan until I saw the first Pirates movie. Then he was a blip on my radar. After I saw "Finding Neverland" I developed a new respect for his acting talent. What a movie!

I think my man Matthew McConnaughey may become a new IT man because of the breadth of his work and of course his snaxy looks. I'm eager to see the film he's been working on lately -- "We Are Marshall" -- about the air crash that wiped out the Marshall University football team and how the coach (Matthew) rebuilt the program literally from the ashes.

Of these, I'd pick Brad Pitt. He's a physical specimen, I mean, really. Also, he's a humanitarian (thanks, in part I think to his relationship with Angelina Jolie) and an environmentalist. He also uses his star power to do good. I find that very sexy.

I think Isaiah is also a renaissance man, he can act, he plays the trumpet and piano and writes his own music. He's extremely accomplished, and frankly, looks darn good with his shirt off.

Buon giorno, Stella and Bellas! First, THE POLL is right here today. I was confused, then I couldn't get blogger to take the photos and had to write the html. Apologies, Stella.

BUT, now The IT Poll is HERE!!!

I, too, and a Joaqin fan, again, like Ralph Fiennes, he's got that kink below the surface, and is a good actor (Quills. Loved it) Denzel knocks my socks off for many reasons. Handsome and classy as heck and one of the great actors of our time.

Val Kilmer. Great in the Doors movie, Batman. Sexy lips.

Not a huge Brad fan, but when I first saw him on-screen in "A River Runs Through It," I thought he was beautiful and reminded me of Redford back in the day.

David Duchovny is IT for me, I guess, cause he's so flippin smart, has that imperfect nose, is so flippin smart. Menschy but sexy.

I think Hugh, Brad, and Christian are HOT (or HAWT) but I don't think they have that *IT* factor. They can act and are a great piece of eye candy (I could stare at them all day) but I don't get much more feeling from them...

I'm sorry, Julie, I AM going to have to throw something at you regarding Hugh. :WINK:

He can sing, he can do comedy and drama, he's gorgeous. He has a strong marriage and adopts kids from third world countries. He's been nominated for Golden Globes and won a Tony. He said one of his favorite things to do at home is read to his wife while she's soaking in a bath he's drawn her. THUD.

Brad has never really done it for me. I can concede he is a good lookin' guy, but well, there's nothin' there for me. I would say Pierce or George Clooney.

My reasoning is as follows: When I consider "It" men I think of the legendaries, such as Bogey or Cary Grant. Those men had staying power and were sexy for YEARS. George and Pierce are headed in that direction. They are aging beautifully (in fact, George gets sexier the older he gets, IMHO) and have taken on some interesting roles in recent years.

Yeah, the younger guys are hot hot hotties, but these guys have been around and are back again =).

Great definition, Rach! I was thinking Cary. I'm glad you mentioned him. He is the epitamy of sexy, IMHO. :o)(*whisper* I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way about Brad.)Pierce and George do get better with age.

Stella, are you sure we have to pick only one? I decision making problems... :P

MK, based on what you said about Hugh, in which I concede I did not know, I will mark him off my "he doesn't have it" list. Now put down that shovel and step away slowly... *wink,wink*

Rach -See my comments about Clooney above. I agree. Stella, I think you guys need to amend the poll to include Clooney. He definitely has "staying power." LOL!

Julie - See, all I needed was a shovel as a weapon to get you around to my way of thinking. Clearly I need to carry a shovel all the time!

There's no possible way I can pick just one. In fact, I could make a case for most all of them, except Christian Slater. I don't get that one. His voice annoys me and I still think of him as the kid in the movie HEATHERS. I also find Val Kilmer to be a bit creepy. Thus...I can't pick either of them.

Also, Johnny Depp smokes like a chimney. Those nasty french cigarillos. Not sure I could get over that. He's definitely one of the most brilliant actors of our time, but he's got the smoking thing that I'm not sure I can get over.

I'm sorry I can't possibly get involved in a poll without Viggo or Joaquin.

I remember Viggo from his first role in Witness as the Amish suitor to what's her name...

Loved him in GI Jane, the only good thing about that movie. Plus I loved the stache...

He's was great in A Perfect Murder and Walking On The Moon with Diane Lane..

And of course who can ever forget him as Aragorn...*la sigh*

I also like him because he paints, is a very good photographer, writes poetry, plays jazz and is very eccentric, I hear he hates wearing shoes....also he loves animals and bought the horse he played with in Hildago...

Then there's Joaquin *growl*, there's something in his eyes that makes me tremble with need...he always looks like he's going to either punch you a good one or kiss you until you soak your panties...

I love that in a man. ;-)

He's an incredible actor and shies aware from the media. Sometimes he's a little surly, but hey, I love that in a man...dark and brooding.

Welcome to the happening place, Stella. We bellas are so glad Michelle invited you here!

Vivi, I can always count on you sweetheart to liven things up when it comes to men.

So all I can say is that when you go riding, one must consider the artwork itself. We can only hope that it's not an illusion, but rather that it's an enormously, pleasurable ride filled with ripples that make the body shudder. *very big grin*

As for the it factor. A man with a hint of good tobacco isn't necessarily a bad thing for me. Johnny has my heart when it comes to his ability to become whatever part he plays.

I just watched Libertine last night. The man became the Earl of Rochester in all his debauched, crude, and yet haunting glory. His ability to deliver Rochester's erotic, decadent sometimes crude words was brilliant. As an actor he's fan-freaking-tastic, it's his intellect that attracts me, but then I'm a brainy broad.

Brad Pit is the it man when it comes to actual rides...or at least the man he was in Troy. With deference to Cannaro [sp?], sorry Michelle, Pitt's body in that one scene of Troy was to-die-for. It was the way God intended man to look. It was a frigging piece of artwork that made me want to jump bones intensely. THAT would be a wild ride! ROFL

How could ya'll forget GERARD!! Shame on you! Shame! LOL He's intense and runs the gamut of emotions in all he does, and you don't hear too much of him in the press. I like a guy who keeps a low profile, and stays out of trouble. Shows responsibility and I love responsible people.

Denzel he's it because his movies generally, not always, have an underlying theme of justice to them. I love that he chooses projects where he's an any man type of man. And it doesn't hurt that he's totally goodlooking, and it definitely doesn't hurt that his smile is the kind that melts your heart.

Oh MY! Oh MY! There are too many men, too little time, and only so much of me to go around. LOL

I saw the Libertine. I agree with you about Johnny's performance. When I left the theater, I told dh that I was speakless about the movie but I thought JD performance was Oscar worthy. He was fan-freaking-tastic. Wasn't it you that told me it was based on a real guy? I shudder to think...

Here's my humblest opinion of Brad Pitt. He is a great piece of eye candy but I can't imagine him being very good for anything else. He is so somber and not in a good way. He always seems serious. I like brainy. I don't think I'm completely superficial, but when he was guest starring on Friends and he was trying to be funny, I just didn't get it. I found it dorky and not in a cute way. I like someone who can lay down the one liners as well as have a conversation with.

JulieO - yes that was me saying Libertine was based on a real person. The Earl of Rochester was actually quite brilliant, and I think probably quite tortured by his brilliance. His writings were witty in a lot of ways, and he was clearly ahead of his time in writing erotic and erotica works. *grin* If he had turned his head toward pursuits that didn't include drinking and whoring he probably could have been more of a philosopher and social commentator than he actually was.

Vivi - I agree with you, I wouldn't say that BP is all that handsome, that's not what got me in Troy where he's concerned (although I do believe he's an unappreciated actor - Seven Years in Tibet is a wonderful example of his talent). But in Troy, OMIGOD, the scene where all you see is him on his stomach. The muscles, etc are so beautifully outlined. He was gorgeous in that shot. Not his face, his body!! LOL

JulieO - I think it's quite possible BP is a true humanitarian, and is probably a lot brainier than the media give him credit for. I think that would account for the somber look. And I doubt he's a very funny guy. Of course, my history with men has been really bad as far as bad boys are concerned, so what the hell do I know. ROFL

Jules - I believe BP is an quite and accomplished architect. I know he recently sponsored a green architecture competition towards rebuilding New Orleans. I do think he's a humanitarian with a deep sense of social justice. I respect that. I dunno, I'm willing to cut him some slack, imagine having press and paparazzi in your face all the time. I'd imagine it would make you extremely suspicious of the press and really circumspect. I've seen footage of him with his kids and also with his buddies and he does seem like a big goofball.

Is this gang up on Julie day? You really need to let me in on these things. I like to play, too. Nobody can lay it into her like I can... *kiss, kiss*

I don't have anything against Brad as a person. The media is hell. I'll be the first to defend celebrities rights to privacy. I know he does do alot of humanitarian deeds. Although to be honest MK's mention of him helping New Orleans is the first I've heard of anything he's done in the USA. I'm just saying he's not my cup of tea. I need someone with the whole package...looks, brains and humor. I don't get that with him.

And before you come after me again, let me add that I've seen him playing with his children so I know he is a good daddy...

I'm late, I'm late! This is what I get for deciding I ought to have a "normal" sleep schedule for at least a night. I did sleep. I did wake up horribly late. I am in a tizzy. But I'm thrilled to be here.

Glad the Marvelous Michelle managed to get all the photos up in one place. Aren't they an interesting bunch?

BUT, don't hesitate to toss in your own cindidates (hah, as if you would hesitate, you shrinking violets, you:)

We'll get a count done by the end of the day and see if we have a winner.

JulieO - oh sweetie, I wasn't ganging up on you! {{{JulieO}}} I thought I was just explaining what I saw differently about BP...You don't have to like him just cuz some of us do. Besides we love you, those of us who like him, only want BP for his body. *evil grin*

Please, oh, please remember, my Bellas, that Brad Pitt is a Midwesterner. They are by nature pretty reserved.

I remember seeing BP in an interview when he was still w/Jen. I'd never "gotten" him before, but I found him to be earnest and kind. But who knows? This whole Angelina thing is scary. Can you say Billy Bob Thornton?

mmmmhmmm. (Swingblade reference, girls)

But I'm thinkin' IT now. What would that guy have to have to be an IT guy? One of the things that makes an IT girl is that women want to be like her. Who would guys like to be like?

Oh, this is kinda Viviesque, but have you ever played the game, "Who would be your lover?" If you were gay, who'd be your dream date. (Please, don't view this as insensitive to the g/l/b community. I think you know me better than that).

JulieO - JP is too young for me. LOL, and I confess that there's something about his mouth that doesn't turn me on. Although I confess I loved him Signs that Hershey Kisses hat scene was absolutely hysterical.

Yes, Stella you need to dish on what you're writing now!! Say what is you love the most about writing?? Inquiring minds want to know.

I've got to put in a word forIsaiah. One of the most sensual scenes I've seen--and not in any typical way--is the Grey's Anatomy scene when Christina has had an ectopic pregnancy and The Man walks into the hospital room He doesn't say a single word, just stretched out on that tiny bed and holds her. Touching, sensual, sexy. And he has repeatedly shown how wide his scope is by sucking all the air out of one sequence after another.

Stella - See? If I wasn't a fan before, I would be now. Just the fact that you watch Grey's Anatomy makes you a woman of rare and refined taste!

"Monica, JP is too young for me, too."

Mon and Jules, it's probably a good thing that he's too young for both of you, because I think Vivi is busy gentling him to halter. ;-O

Jules, I wasn't picking on you at all. From what I can tell, you and I agree on most everything. I was just playing devil's advocate. I think up above I said I wasn't sure he was the brightest bulb. I can find a good side to most celebrities (except, maybe for Tom Cruise, whose meltdown on Oprah was the last great celebrity trainwreck. I couldn't look away!) You know I love ya, girlfriend!

Writing (visualize a salute here) yes, indeedy. But I intend to deliberate over each post as the day goes on 'cause that's the way my mind works.

TARGET is my current story. This week I'll finish the book which only means I'll then hash and rehash, write and re-write, fuss, fume, cry and generally carry-on for days afterward.

This is the story of Nick and Aurelie (also Sarah, Aurelie's sister and Delia, the woman who brought all three up from when they were teenagers--and the rest of the crew from Pointe Judah, Louisiana).

Two women in love with the same man, two sisters in love with the same man. The three of them have virtually grown up together and are very close as friends.

And a man who loves both women, but only one of them with the kind of sexy obsession that's "killing him, but not quickly enough!"

Nick grew up in a California cult until he was sixteen. At that point his mother, who could feel the approach of evil, sent him away and had him take Aurelie and Sarah (two runaways) with him. Smart move on her part as you'll see when you read TARGET.

With him, Nick carried something his mother told him to give to her old friend, Delia.

That "Something" turns out to be dangerous, it turns out to be a killer . . .

TARGET is one of those books that doesn't leave me at all. I'm either physically writing or thinking about the story. This can be draining but I don't know any other way to live--or want to.

My schedule: I write every day. Probably spend up to twelve hours coming and going from the computer. I tend to have spurts of three or four hours. My most productive time is between ten at night and six in the morning. Not the most convenient thing when you have a family you love and you want to play an active part of their lives. We manage because we've got a lot of love and a lot of experience in compromise around here. I think you can imagine that the journey isn't always slick.

Poor Jules, they're all beating up on you today, aren't they... :oP But, I'm with you on the whole BP thing. I just really and truly don't get it.

My IT guy is Pierce. I've been doing some more thinking about this (between getting three kiddos ready for a photo shoot and all the rest of that kind of thing) and the thing is, those classic "it" guys were also classy. Again, think Cary Grant. Pierce is definitely the classiest of the bunch. Followed again by George.

Now, that said, this doesn't mean other hotties don't do it for me. I would say JP, but well, after Vivi was finished with him he'd have no energy left for me. I loved Val's sense of humor in those later flicks, and Denzel has always been smooth. Johnny does it for me too (well, except for that whole smoking thing--I'm with Michelle there).

So, while those are definitely some mighty fine men, they don't all necessarily fit every criteria of my definition. (Okay, feelin' like I'm a bit bossy here. Sorry!)

Have to agree that Pierce Brosnan has something really special (that's one of those understatements that come so easily. Did anyone see George Clooney's photo on the front of the first issue of Men's Vogue. WOW! If you missed it, see if it's archived somewhere.

Vapid is the element that cools my corpuscles (?SP). "Nice" is just . . .nice. But the enigmatic, preferably saturnine face attached to a brain that works, and a body that also works--well, what more can I say?

Unless I missed it, no one mentioned orlando bloom - my current hunk. But Hugh and Johnny are great too. I really have to like them off screen too which eliminates quite a few. Oh and men with accents and deep voices - such as connery and patrick stewart.

Hey kids, good to see everyone's having another great day. Aw, feel the love...for the men, for each other, even for other women LOL. We are all about the love. And the hotties.

I used to drool over BP, but as I got older, he lost some of his appeal. And I still don't like how things ended with him and Jenn, even if all we see is the media version. Irks my buns.

David D. is sa-weet! I admit that I got a tingle as his Mulder's private pleasures. There's just something about a guy who's a bit kinky that's really hot. And being smart is a huge turn-on as well.

Amy, yes one of the biggest attactions of the "it" factor is the mystery of it all, that elusive quality that shines through that everyone wishes they had. It can't be duplicated.

My vote for a woman? Hmm, I do get the Angelina Jolie thing - she's utterly gorgeous and so passionate about children and those in need. A very cool chick. I've always been drawn to Rita Hayworth. She was also incredibly beautiful, and had somewhat of a tragic life. It's something I can't relate to, but I find fascinating.

Stella, sounds like you needed to sleep in. I'm really enjoying your poll. Any excuse to talk about men LOL. I wish I would have met you at RWA this year. I should have been tagging along with BadBarb :)

Grumble--I've been shut out of the comments for a hours--wicked,wicked Blogger.

Julie: TARGET is set for April '07. Thank you very much for asking.

I'm determined to make a tally and come up with a winner--not easy when the the post threads are, shall we say, joyfully abandonned? If things get too out of hand I shall just have to go all bossy and declare a winner.

Vivi mentioned Diane Lane. Oh. My. God. Did you see "Unfaithful?" What a disturbing story but the acting was superb. And Olivier Martinez wasn't bad either. Heck I even have a thing for Richard Gere's gray hair and frameless glasses in "Shall We Dance." But I digress. After the drama of "Unfaithful" she comes along with a romantic comedy like "Under the Tuscan Sun." Such fun!

If I ever suggest another poll, please remind me about the way the Bellas change their minds--by the minute, even.

There's enough energy here to fuel the next space shuttle and I love it.

Doing the best I can, Val Kilmer seems to have the most completely positive mentions. Pierce Brosnan and George Clooney are also "up there," but we knew that. Brad Pitt is a love him or hate him guy. You've talked about a lot of fabulous men and gone into character so much I'm impressed. You've shown you're not just a bunch of pretty faces with elastic libidos:)

I'll declare Val Kilmer the winner.

And you women are equal opportunity thinkers. A lot of kind comments about Angelina Jolie, poor, ugly little thing that she is.

So let's announce for Val Kilmer and Angelina Jolie. Hmm--wonder how they would be together.

PS: There really aren't any blogs other than this one, the Wicked--scratch that--I meant Wonderful Bellas. But if you have a teensy second to spare sometime, you will be welcomed at runningwithquills. Lori, Jayne, Suzanne, Susan, Ann and I may seem a little sedate on the surface (or have I blown my reputation today) but we can be whipped into shape:)